Play parts in stage, television, radio, video, or film productions, or other settings for entertainment, information, or instruction. Interpret serious or comic role by speech, gesture, and body movement to entertain or inform audience. May dance and sing.
SOC: 27-2011.00
Common Job Titles
Actor
Actress
Comedian
Performer
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
KnowledgeSynthesize historical, cultural, and contextual knowledge into performance choices when researching and preparing diverse roles across genres.
Advanced
Hands-onPerform dramatic roles using speech, gesture, and body movement in stage, television, film, or video productions to entertain and inform audiences.
Proficient
KnowledgeInterpret character motivations and narrative arcs within scripts by analyzing literary and dramatic elements to create authentic performances.
Proficient
MindsetIntegrate social and psychological insights into character development when portraying diverse human experiences across cultural and historical contexts.
Proficient
KnowledgeApply vocal techniques and articulation skills to deliver dialogue clearly and expressively in live and recorded performances.
Proficient
KnowledgeDemonstrate memorization and retention of scripts, blocking, and choreography under time constraints and performance pressure.
Proficient
Hands-onCoordinate physical actions with emotional expression to convey authentic character experiences in dynamic performance environments.
Proficient
KnowledgeEvaluate audience reactions and performance feedback to adjust delivery and refine characterization for subsequent performances.
Proficient
MindsetAdvocate for artistic integrity and character authenticity when navigating creative differences and production constraints.
Proficient
MindsetEngage with directors, fellow actors, and production teams during rehearsals and performances to maintain creative collaboration.
Developing
Hands-onExecute choreographed movement, dance, and stage combat sequences following directorial vision while maintaining safety protocols.
Developing
KnowledgeOperate digital recording equipment and social media platforms for self-taped auditions and professional promotional content.
Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Actors (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
38,800
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. N/A. 25th percentile: U.S. N/A. 50th percentile: U.S. N/A. 75th percentile: U.S. N/A. 90th percentile: U.S. N/A. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
N/A
10% of workers earn the following or more
N/A
Workers on average earn
N/A
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
Fine Arts4.7/5
English Language4.3/5
Communications and Media4.1/5
Sociology and Anthropology3.4/5
Psychology3.3/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
